Suggested Syllabus
Meet Me at the Library
A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy
By Shamichael Hallman
America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with the troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. So how do we create spaces for people to come together to open our minds, understand our differences, and exchange ideas?
Shamichael Hallman argues that the public library may be our best hope for bridging these divides and creating strong, inclusive communities. While public libraries have long been thought of as a place for a select few, increasingly they are playing an essential role in building social cohesion, promoting civic renewal, and advancing the ideals of a healthy democracy. Many are reimagining themselves in new and innovative ways, actively reaching out to the communities they serve. Today, libraries are becoming essential institutions for repairing society.
Libraries have a unique opportunity to bridge socioeconomic divides and rebuild trust. But in order to do so, they must be truly welcoming to all. They and their communities must work collaboratively to bridge socioeconomic divides through innovative and productive partnerships.
Course Objective
By the end of this course, students will have a deep understanding of how public libraries can bridge societal divides, spark civic renewal and enhance community cohesion, as highlighted in Shamichael Hallman’s Meet Me at the Library. They will be equipped with practical insights into how libraries create inclusive spaces for dialogue and collaboration, informed by innovative programs and research. Students will also gain skills in applying design thinking to develop and implement effective library
initiatives and be prepared to address future challenges facing libraries in a rapidly evolving social landscape.
Week 1: Introduction
The introduction of "Meet Me at the Library" highlights the evolving role of public libraries as essential community hubs that promote social connection, civic engagement, and democracy. Libraries have adapted to meet community needs, from the introduction of bookmobiles to providing digital resources and innovative services during the COVID-19 pandemic. They serve as vital public spaces for cross-cultural interaction, fostering understanding and empathy in a polarized society. Despite challenges like censorship, libraries remain critical in addressing societal issues such as loneliness and division.
Readings:
• Shamichael Hallman, Introduction
• Check out: The Evolution of Public Libraries to the 21st Century: An Illustrated Timeline
• Check out: Trends | Center for the Future of Libraries
Discussion: Historical role of libraries in serving diverse communities and catering to a variety of needs.
Week 2: Libraries as Civic Institutions
Public libraries play a vital civic role by serving as inclusive community hubs that promote social connection, civic engagement, and access to information. They offer diverse programs and resources that encourage public discourse, such as hosting events to discuss censorship and providing voter education. Libraries act as centers for lifelong learning, empowering citizens with the tools and knowledge needed to participate actively in democratic processes. In addition to traditional services, modern libraries support digital inclusion and bridge social divides, fostering an environment where community members from all backgrounds can connect and collaborate.
Readings:
• Shamichael Hallman, Introduction (cont.)
• Check out: Libraries and democracy revisited (abstract)
• Check out: What is Civic Health
• Check out Faces of Democracy: Libraries as Leaders for Civic Engagement
• Check out Libraries Transforming Communities: The Movement Towards Civic Hubs
Discussion: What is the unique value-add that library can contribute to the civic health of a community
Week 3: Libraries in the Face of Societal Issues
Chapter 2 highlights the pivotal role of public libraries as essential elements of social and civic infrastructure in addressing societal challenges such as loneliness, isolation, and polarization. By providing safe and inclusive spaces, libraries facilitate social connections and promote a sense of belonging, acting as vital centers for community engagement and education. They implement programs that enhance civic knowledge and participation, support diverse voices, and foster a culture of connection. Despite challenges like book banning and navigating language barriers, libraries are uniquely positioned to contribute to civic renewal and bridge divides within communities. Their efforts are supported by a framework emphasizing competencies, opportunities, motivations, and perceptions of belonging, underscoring libraries' crucial role in building resilient, healthy, and connected communities.
Readings:
• Shamichael Hallman, Chapter 2
• Check out: Public libraries are critical social infrastructure
Discussion: What roles can public libraries play in mitigating societal conflicts and promoting inclusivity.
Week 4: Addressing Loneliness and Isolation
Chapter 2 of Hallman’s book also emphasizes the crucial role of public libraries in addressing loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging in communities. The chapter explores how libraries serve as vital components of social and civic infrastructure, providing safe and inclusive spaces where people can connect and engage. Libraries are uniquely positioned to facilitate social interactions and civic engagement by offering programs and spaces that encourage dialogue, understanding, and community participation.
Readings:
• Shamichael Hallman, Chapter 2 (cont’d)
• Check out: Libraries Can Unite a Lonely, Divided Nation
• Check out: Office of the US Surgeon General, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation
Discussion: The impact of loneliness and isolation on public health and the role of libraries in combating these issues.
Week 5: Libraries as Community Builders
Chapter 3, titled "The Library as a Place for All," explores how libraries have evolved into dynamic "third places" that foster democracy, inclusivity, and community engagement. It highlights the Cambridge Public Library (CPL) in Massachusetts as a model of this evolution, offering diverse programs and resources that promote social cohesion and lifelong learning. CPL and other libraries, like Mesa County Libraries in Colorado and North Liberty Library in Iowa, emphasize diversity, inclusion, and access through multicultural programming, community partnerships, and innovative facilities like makerspaces and tech bars. These libraries serve as vital public spaces where individuals from different backgrounds can connect, reducing social isolation and promoting dialogue across cultural and social divides. They are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, enhancing civic engagement, and supporting community growth.
Watch:
• Shamichael Hallman, Chapter 3
• Check out: Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, “Palaces for the People: Library as Community Builder” (TEDx Talk, 2021)
• Check out: Shamichael Hallman, “Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community” (TEDx Talk, 2021)
Discussion: Case studies of libraries fostering community and social infrastructure.
Week 6: Collaborative Communities: Enhancing Libraries Through Volunteerism
Chapter 4 of the book focuses on the role of partnering, volunteering, and collaborating in the context of libraries as civic spaces. It highlights the importance of community involvement in library services, emphasizing how partnerships and volunteer efforts can help expand and enhance library offerings. The chapter outlines various levels of involvement for individuals and organizations, including being knowledgeable patrons, volunteering, and engaging in advocacy. identify any articles on the web about libraries that are of similar thought, this could include op-eds, news reports, or journals.
Readings:
• Shamichael Hallman, Chapter 4
• Check out: Community Engagement in Libraries
• Check out: Library Lifelines: Volunteer Opportunities Abound
• Check out: 8 Creative Ways to Volunteer at your Local Library
Discussion: Libraries' role in promoting civic engagement.
Week 7: The Memphis Story
Chapter 5 of "Meet Me at the Library" highlights the transformative role of public libraries, focusing on the Memphis Public Libraries (MPL) and the Cossitt Library branch. MPL, recognized with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2021, emphasizes programs for underserved communities and bridging the digital divide. The Cossitt Library's renovation, part of the Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative, reimagined the library as a hub for learning, connection, and sharing, fostering civic engagement and socioeconomic mixing. By integrating local art, celebrating cultural diversity, and hiring a diverse staff, MPL created an inclusive space that serves as a model for public libraries nationwide. The chapter also draws inspiration from other libraries, like the Chicago Public Library, which democratizes culture and fosters community engagement. This narrative underscores the evolving role of public libraries as vital community anchors that drive social cohesion and cultural enrichment.
Read + Watch:
• Shamichael Hallman, Chapter 5
• Check out: How Memphis Created the Nation’s Most Innovative Public Library
• Check out: More than a Place to Read: Memphis Library’s Innovative Transformation
• Check out: Cossitt Library reopens after 5 years
Discussion: Innovative social programs in libraries and their impact on communities.
Week 8: Future of Libraries in Civic Life
The final chapter of Shamichael Hallman's book, "Meet Me at the Library," envisions public libraries as crucial agents of change in a rapidly evolving world. Libraries are increasingly taking on roles as civic leaders, bridging political divides, enhancing civic literacy, and addressing social issues such as racism and digital equity. Innovative programs across the country demonstrate how libraries meet diverse community needs, from providing disaster recovery resources and promoting health literacy to offering workforce development and digital skills training. As anchors of community engagement, libraries are expanding their offerings beyond traditional books to include tools and technology, supporting a circular economy, and ensuring equitable access to resources.
Readings:
• Shamichael Hallman, Chapter 6
• Check out Public Participation: How Libraries Support Civically Engaged Communities
• Check out Civic Engagement: Democracy Thrives at the Library
• Check out ULC Declaration of Democracy
Discussion: The future role of libraries in promoting civic literacy and engagement.